Our Western culture promotes a version of happiness where we are not supposed to be anxious and instead lead happy, possibly carefree lives. Our anxiety-free lives are supposed to prove how successful we are. But is it even possible to live life completely without anxiety?

Well, the short answer is no. Anxiety is a natural and necessary response to stress and danger, so completely getting rid of it, even if somehow possible, would be purely dangerous. Imagine facing an angry dog trying to bite you. Without feeling any fear, you would not have much motivation to protect yourself. Maybe you would half-heartedly attempt to defend yourself or run, but that would be it. You would not have enough adrenaline rushing through your veins to motivate you to act. Now, consider fear as an intense version of anxiety, and you may get an idea why we need both.

Not convinced yet? Imagine losing your job and feeling relaxed about it. You do not feel any stress, uneasiness, or worries about how to earn your living. It sounds seemingly perfect, but is it? How would you ever manage to motivate yourself to find another job? You are chilled, calm, and content, so there is no reason to do anything. Anxiety gives us this extra boost of energy, this feeling of uneasiness that makes us act. Anxiety provides us with worries that, although unpleasant and seemingly redundant, motivate us to do something to stop feeling this way. So fortunately for us, anxiety is here to stay for quite some time yet.

 Acceptance is the key to end a losing battle that we cannot win. Change what you can change and accept what you cannot. This is the approach promoted by ancient Greek philosophers called Stoics as early as 300 BC. And once we accept anxiety as an intrinsic element of life, it will be easier to face and deal with it.

And how could we possibly deal with it? We can do it by managing and thus reducing anxiety to lead a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Below you can find some helpful strategies. It is important to understand that they all work together and, like pieces of a puzzle, will all contribute to you feeling calmer and happier.

• Regular Exercise: Yes, exercise! Unfortunately, we cannot escape it as physical activity can significantly reduce anxiety and improve your mood. However, there is good news. Exercise doesn’t have to be exhausting and may even be pleasurable. Go for a brisk walk or find another form of activity that you can enjoy. It will all count, and in no time, you will notice your mood improving and anxiety going down. Even a 15-minute brisk walk can improve your mood and boost your energy level.

• Adequate Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing your anxiety. I am sure you can easily recall the difference in your mood after a restful sleep and a sleepless night.

• Healthy Diet: The fact that healthy eating can have a positive impact on your mental health should not come as a surprise. Even if you do not think that, as the saying goes, we are what we eat, what we eat certainly influences our moods and wellbeing.

• Psychotherapy can help you develop coping strategies that would increase your overall happiness and decrease anxiety. It would also allow you to get to know yourself better and understand how your past influenced who you are now. This certainly does not mean blaming your parents for everything but rather uncovering unconscious mechanisms and improving your self-awareness. This step is necessary because, without awareness, there is no change. Otherwise, how could you change if you’re not aware that there’s something you need to change?

• Stress Management Techniques: deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help to lower your stress level. It doesn’t have to take long and can be as little as 5-10 minutes a day.

• Social Support: Connecting with friends and family can provide emotional support and give you a sense of meaning, which can significantly improve your mood. A deeper connection with a partner or friend is known to boost your serotonin levels, enhancing your sense of well-being.

• Limiting Stimulants: Reducing the intake of caffeine and other stimulants can help lower anxiety levels.

• Setting Realistic Goals: Setting achievable goals and breaking tasks into smaller steps can reduce feelings of overwhelm. My sense is that the importance of this step is often overlooked by health professionals. Unexpectedly, breaking big goals into smaller steps is often the most efficient way to achieve those goals.

As I already mentioned, the above suggestions work best when applied together rather than individually. However, if after trying all of the above you are still struggling with anxiety and could benefit from psychotherapy sessions, please contact me to arrange it. I am positive that we can work together to lower your anxiety and increase your overall level of happiness. Do not struggle with anxiety on your own; call me.

Ania Dimond-Koroza,

Psychotherapeutic Counsellor,

MSc in Psychotherapy,

MSc in Sociology

Registered With: